Six Senses Vana: Guide & Expert FAQ

Six Senses Vana is a luxury wellness retreat nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Dehradun, India. Surrounded by lush sal forests and tranquil gardens, the retreat focuses on holistic healing through Ayurveda, yoga, Tibetan medicine(Sowa Rigpa), meditation, and personalised wellness programmes.

Six Senses Vana: The essentials

Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand, northern India – set in the Himalayan foothills and easily accessible from Delhi via a short flight or scenic drive.
Setting: A tranquil forest retreat surrounded by sal trees and landscaped gardens, with minimalist architecture, peaceful courtyards, and dedicated spaces for yoga, meditation, and healing therapies.
Wellness Focus: Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan Medicine). While Ayurveda is common in India, Vana is one of the few places globally with a fully staffed Tibetan medical centre (Men-Tsee-Khang approved) treating ailments through pulse reading, herbal medicine, and Ku Nye massage.
Best For (Healing Holidays tips): Guests seeking deep restoration, stress relief, detoxification, spiritual growth, and a holistic reset in a serene natural environment.
Recommended Stay (Healing Holidays tips): 5–14+ nights to fully benefit from customised wellness journeys and establish sustainable lifestyle changes.

Six Senses Vana: Signature programmes & exclusive offers

When booking Six Senses Vana with Healing Holidays, you receive expert programme matching, pre-arrival planning, and access to exclusive perks such as complimentary room upgrades and early check-in and late-check out.

Recommended programmes at Six Senses Vana

• Ayurveda Panchakarma & Detox
  What it is: Authentic, serious detox. Includes Ghee intake, purgation, and daily oil treatments. It is not "spa-lite"; it is medical Ayurveda.
  Ideal for: Deep tissue cleansing, weight loss, and chronic inflammation.
• Yoga & Meditation
  What it is: Not just physical Asanas. Includes Raag Therapy (healing through classical Indian music) and meditation in the on-site Gompa (Tibetan temple).
  Ideal for: Spiritual seekers and those needing mental clarity.
• Tibetan Medicine Healing (Sowa Rigpa)
  What it is: Unique to Vana. Focuses on balancing the three humours (Wind, Bile, Phlegm). Treatments include Horoscope reading (astrology), moxibustion, and herbal poultices.

  Ideal for: Emotional trauma, anxiety, and insomnia.

Exclusive benefits when booking with Healing Holidays

We offer more than just a booking. Personalised guidance in choosing the right programme and stay length, pre-arrival coordination, and one dedicated expert contact throughout your journey.

View Six Senses Vana Programmes & Exclusive Offers

Is Six Senses Vana the right wellness retreat for you?

The answers below address the most common questions we receive at Healing Holidays about Six Senses Vana.

What makes Six Senses Vana unique in India?

Six Senses Vana in Dehradun is unique in India for blending authentic Ayurveda, Tibetan Medicine, and yoga with highly personalised, modern wellness in a luxurious, secluded Sal forest setting. As the first dedicated Six Senses wellness retreat, it stands out with its LEED Platinum status, strict digital detox, and rare integration of Tibetan healing therapies approved by the Dalai Lama's medical school.

Is Six Senses Vana medical or holistic?

Six Senses Vana in India is primarily holistic, deeply rooted in Ayurveda, Tibetan medicine, and yoga, but it integrates modern scientific wellness diagnostics (like 40-marker biomarker screening) to create a personalised, high-end healing experience.

How does Six Senses Vana compare with other Indian wellness retreats?

Many Indian wellness retreats centre predominantly on one healing tradition (e.g., classical Ayurveda, yoga, or naturopathy). Six Senses Vana, by contrast, blends Ayurveda, yoga, Tibetan medicine, mindfulness and preventive health under a single, personalised framework — offering a broader, multi-modal approach.

Vs. Ananda in the Himalayas: Ananda in the Himalayas is often regarded as more classically spiritual in tone, with a palace-estate setting overlooking the Ganges valley and a deeper emphasis on traditional Ayurveda, Vedanta philosophy, and contemplative practices.

Vs. Soukya: Soukya operates with a stronger medical orientation, frequently attracting guests addressing specific health conditions through integrative medicine and supervised treatment programmes.

Wellness expertise: Therapists & Programme support

What specialists are available at Six Senses Vana?

The in-house wellness team includes:

• Ayurvedic Doctors (Vaidyas) & physicians
• Tibetan Medicine practitioners (Amchis)
• Yoga and meditation teachers
• Naturopaths and holistic therapists
• Nutritionists

What diagnostic tests are offered?

• Ayurvedic pulse and Dosha analysis
• Tibetan Medicine assessment
• Comprehensive wellness consultation

Are programmes personalised?

Yes, all programmes at Six Senses Vana are highly personalised. Upon arrival, each guest undergoes a detailed health and wellness assessment with a team of experts, which includes Ayurvedic practitioners, Tibetan medicine specialists, yoga teachers, nutritionists, and other wellness professionals. Based on this assessment, a bespoke wellness programme is created, tailored to the individual’s health needs, goals, and preferences.

Is Six Senses Vana suitable for guests with medical conditions?

Six Senses Vana is generally suitable for guests with medical conditions, especially those seeking holistic support for stress, mobility, and long-term health improvement, but guests with specific medical needs should confirm details with the retreat beforehand.

What languages are spoken by staff?

At Six Senses Vana, the staff primarily speaks English, which is widely used for communication with international guests.

Food: Mindful Eating

What cuisine is served?

At Six Senses Vana, the cuisine is health-conscious and personalised, focusing on Ayurvedic principles, seasonal, and organic ingredients. Meals are designed to support guests' wellness goals, balancing the body and mind through nutritious, flavourful dishes that can be tailored to specific dietary preferences like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. The food is both therapeutic and delicious, offering a mindful dining experience that complements the retreat’s holistic approach to health and well-being.

Are meals personalised?

Yes, meals are highly personalised at Six Senses Vana, based on individual wellness consultations, body type (dosha), and health goals.

Can special diets be accommodated?

Yes, Six Senses Vana can accommodate a variety of special diets.

Will I feel hungry?

It’s possible that you might feel a bit hungry initially, especially if you're accustomed to larger meals or a more indulgent diet. However, the food at Six Senses Vana is designed to be nutrient-dense, balanced, and tailored to support your health goals—whether that’s detox, weight management, or general wellness. They emphasise smaller, more frequent meals with ingredients that help nourish your body and mind.

Rooms & Accommodation

What room categories are available?

82 Rooms & Suites. All feature balconies overlooking the Sal forest.

• Garden Room: These rooms are set in lush greenery and are designed for a peaceful, rejuvenating experience. They feature a king-size bed, a private garden, and spacious bathrooms with a bathtub and a rain shower.
  Perfect for: Guests looking for a tranquil, nature-filled environment with easy access to the resort's wellness offerings.
• Forest Room: These rooms are located amidst the forest, offering more seclusion. They are larger than Garden Rooms and come with stunning views of the surrounding forest. The Forest Rooms offer private terraces, spacious bathrooms, and natural materials used throughout.
  Perfect for: Nature lovers who want a deeper connection to the forest and a more immersive experience.
• Forest Suite: A step up from the Forest Room, these suites offer more space, with a living area and separate sleeping area. They feature large windows that let you enjoy the surrounding nature and have the added luxury of a private plunge pool or spa area.
  Perfect for: Those who want a more luxurious experience, with extra space and private outdoor areas.
• Vana Suite: The Vana Suites are spacious and more secluded, offering a combination of wellness-focused amenities and luxury. They have a large living area, a private terrace, and spa-like bathrooms. Some even come with a private garden or outdoor pool.
  Perfect for: Guests seeking privacy, wellness treatments, and a more elevated level of comfort.

What is included in the room rate?

Accommodation, personalised meals, wellness assessments, and access to spa facilities; specific treatments may incur additional costs.

What is the price of a stay?

A 3-night programme starts from £1,799pp for shared accommodation or £2,099pp for single travellers during low season. High season rates are £2,049pp (shared) or £2,549pp (single), including transfers, accommodation and full board

The guest experience: Daily life at Six Senses Vana

What does a typical day look like?

Morning:

• Early Rise: Start around 6:00-7:00 am.
• Yoga/Meditation: Begin with calming practices to set the tone for the day.
• Nature Walk/Exercise: Guided walks or fitness classes in the natural surroundings.
• Breakfast: Healthy, Ayurvedic meals tailored to personal needs.

Midday:

• Wellness Consultations: Sessions with Ayurvedic doctors, nutritionists, or fitness experts.
• Spa Treatments: Indulge in massages, detox therapies, or energy healing.
• Lunch: Light, nutritious meals.

Afternoon:

• Holistic Workshops: Activities like Ayurvedic cooking classes, breathwork, or detox programmes.
• Free Time: Relax or enjoy nature.
• Personal Treatments: Private wellness sessions tailored to individual needs.

Evening:

• Evening Yoga/Meditation: Wind down with calming practices.
• Dinner: Light, Ayurvedic meals.
• Rituals: Fire ceremonies or reflection sessions.

What spa & wellness facilities are available?

Facilities include 37 treatment rooms, indoor/outdoor pools, a sauna, steam room, fitness centre, and yoga/meditation spaces

Is the Atmosphere Strict or Relaxed?

Six Senses Vana offers a profoundly relaxed, tranquil, and, at times, introspective atmosphere focused on holistic wellness. While the environment is deeply peaceful and encourages, for example, silence, it operates with a "relaxed" structure rather than a rigid, strict schedule. Guests are encouraged to disconnect, with strict rules against device usage in public areas(Digital Detox).

Is there free time?

Yes, Six Senses Vana provides ample free time for guests to relax, explore the surroundings, or enjoy facilities like the pools, library, and gym, despite having a scheduled, personalised, and structured daily programme of wellness treatments and activities.

Personal goals: Is Six Senses Vana right for you?

Which health goals does Six Senses Vana best support?

Deep Rest & Emotional Healing.

While excellent for physical detox (Panchakarma), Vana is arguably the best place in the world for emotional burnout and stress recovery. The unique combination of Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan Medicine)—which treats emotional trauma through specific massages and herbs—and the strict Digital Detox environment allows for a mental reset that is harder to achieve in standard retreats.

Who is Six Senses Vana best suited for?

It is ideal for those who want to "disappear" for a while. Because everyone wears the provided loose-fitting Kurtas (pyjamas), there is no pressure to dress up or look good. It suits guests who crave anonymity, silence, and spiritual grounding rather than socialising or sightseeing.

Is Six Senses Vana suitable for wellness beginners?

Yes, Six Senses Vana is definitely suitable for wellness beginners. The retreat is designed to be inclusive and personalised, meaning it can accommodate guests at all levels of wellness experience.

Travel planning: Timing & practical advice

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Six Senses Vana in Dehradun is from October to March for pleasant weather, clear skies, and ideal outdoor activities. For intensive Ayurvedic treatments, the monsoon season (late June to early September) is considered best due to the cool, moist, and stable climate.

Is Six Senses Vana suitable for solo travellers?

Yes. Six Senses Vana in India is an excellent choice for solo travellers, particularly those seeking a wellness-focused, tranquil, and introspective retreat. With roughly 65% of guests arriving alone, the property offers a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment designed for self-care and relaxation. It perfectly balances quiet solitude with communal opportunities like shared dining tables.

What is the recommended length of stay?

Time is the Healer.

• 5-7 Nights: Enough time to disconnect from tech and lower cortisol levels.
• 14 Nights: "The Ayurvedic Cure." The minimum required for a genuine Panchakarma detox to allow the body to enter the elimination phase.
• 21 Nights: "Deep Transformation." Recommended for addressing chronic conditions (insomnia, psoriasis, weight issues) combining Ayurveda and Tibetan Medicine. 

What should guests pack?

Almost nothing. Guests at Six Sense Vana should pack light, as signature cotton kurtas (loose pajamas) are provided for daily wear across the property, including dining. Essential items include comfortable walking shoes, swimwear for hydrotherapy and warm layers for air-conditioned spaces or cooler evenings.

How far in advance should I book?

Advance booking is recommended, particularly for longer or peak-period stays.

The Healing Holidays booking advantage

Where can I book Six Senses Vana?

Book via Healing Holidays to access exclusive offers. As a preferred partner, we often provide rates and packages that include complimentary room upgrades and early check-in and late check-out that you cannot find on standard booking sites.

Why book with Healing Holidays?

With over 20 years of expertise and recognised as the UK's Best Wellness Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveller in 2026, Healing Holidays provides expert programme matching and honest comparisons. Unlike booking directly, we can objectively compare Six Senses Vana with other Indian wellness retreats to ensure you find the best fit for your needs.

How do Healing Holidays Experts help choose the right programme?

By understanding your wellness history, goals and expectations, Healing Holidays ensures the most appropriate programme and length of stay for meaningful results.